Can an Ohio employer reduce an employees wages without a notice?
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Can an Ohio employer reduce an employees wages without a notice?
On 04/12, I submitted a 2 weeks notice of resignation at my place of employment. Upon receiving my most recent pay-stub period, starting at 04/02 and ending at 4/16, I realized that my hourly wages had been reduced. At no point did I receive a notice from my employer of this reduction in wage. Are there laws that protect me? How should I proceed?
Asked on April 20, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
They can reduce your wages without your consent, but notice is required: they can only reduce them from the moment you get notice forward--i.e. not retroactively, for work already done. If not told of a reduction, they had to pay you at the rate you had been earning, so since you did not receive notice, they had to pay you you at your prior hourly rate.
Your rights are based on contract law: on the agreement, whether written or oral (unwritten) between you and the employer that you would work at a certain rate or for a certain wage, at least until noticed othewise. You did your part: you did the work. They are therefore obligated to do their part, and pay you the agreed-upon amount. If they did not, your recourse would be to sue them small claims court, for breach of contract, for the additional money they owe you.
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